Parents: Cash In on Your Kids’ Old Car Seats at Walmart and Target

You know that old car seat your kid has outgrown that’s taking up space in your garage covered in juice stains and Cheez-It crumbs? Dump it in your trunk and bring it to Target or Walmart this month to snag some sweet savings on future purchases.

Target’s program, which is in its fourth year, started Sept. 3 and will continue through Sept. 13 at all stores. The retailer is accepting all types of seats — even boosters. You can even return your car seat bases.

If your car seat is damaged or expired, Target will still take it. The company has partnered with Waste Management to recycle the old parts.

In exchange, Target is giving out coupons for 20% off select baby gear, including strollers and new car seats. Return your used car seat to the store’s guest services desk — you may see a large collection box nearby — to get your coupon, which is valid through Sept. 14.

Walmart’s car seat trade-in event is the first for the retailer. It’ll take place Sept. 16-30 at nearly 4,000 participating stores. The program won’t be available at all Walmart Neighborhood Market stores.

Bring your used car seats in any condition to the customer service desk where you’ll be rewarded with a $30 Walmart gift card. The retailer, however, won’t accept booster seats. The waste management company TerraCycle will recycle all materials.

Though Walmart suggests using the gift card to purchase more baby items, you can use it for anything, and it never expires. The trade-in program limits two gift cards per household.